GOODBYE LUOL DENG (Deng Bought Out & Stretched, p. 133)

Harlemlakerfan · Star Player Joined: 19 Mar 2014 Posts: 2716

I can’t wait til this Deng situation is resolved. I also believe that Deng is not being reasonable and I hope that the Lakers sit his a$$ all season. He obviously doesn’t care about playing basketball cause if he did, he would have went to the Lakers immediately after the season and asked for a buyout in order to hook up on a team that he can actually get the opportunity to play. He’s about the money, that’s his right but, it’s also the teams right to keep his a$$ nailed to the bench for another season.

unleasHell · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2018 7:12 am Post subject:

JUST-MING · Retired Number Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 43986

You’d think with Lebron James and the veteran free agent acquisitions of Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Javale McGee, that would motivate Luol Deng to want to contribute as a defensive specialist in a title run.

LuciusAllen · Star Player Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 5787

Another possible option for Deng is Chicago, at least based on the analysis of their just-completed 3-way trade with Charlotte and Orlando, and also with the clock ticking on matching Lavine's offer sheet with Sacramento. Here's ESPN's take on that trade for the Bulls (Insider sub needed):

32 · Retired Number Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 73062

Probably keep him to start the season whether he plays or doesn't play. Take another shot at trading him at the trade deadline.
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WindyCityLakerFan · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2018 7:58 am Post subject:

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WindyCityLakerFan · Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2018 9:06 am Post subject:

ChickenBeckerman · Star Player Joined: 08 Jul 2012 Posts: 2060

So lets say Lebron James calls Luel Deng one night and has a sincere convo with him.

Lebron - "come on big dog, I wanna play with you. I know you can help us this season. Don't sit this one out, do what you were born to do you big ugly ballin a** former allstar m**f***ka!!!"

Or something like that and next thing you know Deng is at the training facility the next morning, spends the off season getting into shape every day, shooting a thousand jumpers a day and fanatically watching tape.

How does a "100% MOTIVATED LUEL DENG" fit in with this current Laker squad???

Andre2K · Franchise Player Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 12199

Its easy to forget how good Luol Deng was in his prime, he was so good Kobe was going to waive his no trade clause to play with him. Its confusing how a competitor like that would be happy sitting a season out. Same issue with Kawhi (if he's not as injured as he says he is).

Anyways, to answer your question, I think Deng can still contribute but does he still want to compete or he's just happy cashing dem checks.
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blackmamba08

deal · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 4:45 am Post subject:

Deng has always been willing to play, the FO decided to give the youth movement more playing time and in doing so Deng came out of the
rotation. That said, some reports last year surfaced that he has been
handling "the benching" very well but wanting to play, so that's that.

The bigger question for me anyway is; if Deng can actually contribute or is he just another liability on the court? Previously I think the FO was trying to force Deng's hand in taking a buyout but Dengs' group has held out for the money, as he should I guess.
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LakerFan1972 · Star Player Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 3257

If Deng wants to contribute, maybe Lakers should give him time as small ball 5. Lakers do not seem to have good alternatives for that role with Randle gone.

Lakers looking to lighten Lebrons load at least until playoffs, so I would be surprised to see him playing a stretch 5 in the regular season.

I am just not seeing McGee and Zu giving the Lakers 48 mins at the 5. Lakers need to find someone for that Randle role for 15-20 mins.

I get everyone’s negative attitude towards Deng, but why not give Deng a shot? Lakers now in a different position. Priority is about winning now and not developing young players.

How does Deng not fit with tough minded/hi IQ vets like Rondo/Lance/McGee?

A motivated Deng could help a team wanting to get deep in the playoffs.

... if the Lakers can find a good trade to move him, fine. Otherwise, use him.

yinoma2001 · Retired Number Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 119487

I hope we play him. He can help as a 3rd string PF, even small ball center.

Still don't understand why the parties couldn't work it out so that Deng could play. Is he going to be content just sitting out for another full year? At some point he will want to play, even if it's a nominal role.
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farzadkavari · Starting Rotation Joined: 23 Jun 2015 Posts: 551

I think Deng will be pretty solid IF he plays and is Motivated! I remember he played a 1-2 games at beginning of season and he looked very good. If he is in shape Id take a chance and give him 15min per game.

Eindhoven · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:44 am Post subject:

I don't think his problem is motivation. On year 1, he was played out of position, he can't be a SF anymore and his good moments in Miami were as a PF. On year 2, FO decided to roll with the young guys and they came to an understanding that playing Deng would not be beneficial for both parts.

Still, it was reported that Deng had a professional behavior, not missing practices or anything, so it was not about motivation. I believe he can be useful as a backup PF, playing 10-12mpg.
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Four Decade Bandwagon · Star Player Joined: 18 Jul 2014 Posts: 8150

Once again there is the narrative that Deng somehow benched himself.

All reports from last season were positive He was motivated to play but management chose to bench him the entire season. Not Dengs choice.

He spent the entire season practicing, mentoring and with the team on road trips. Even reports of him simulating game situations during games. Working out when teammates playing and taking timeouts when they did.

None of that sounds like an unmotivated player to me.

My guess is he could easily provide quality backup mpg if allowed to. Not expecting Sixth Man of the Year awards but a solid reserve at SF/PF. I’m skeptical about the small ball center suggestions. But what do I know.

watchME · Star Player Joined: 06 May 2011 Posts: 3384

I love dengs attitude. Having him in the locker room would be a plus.

oldschool32 · Franchise Player Joined: 24 Jun 2005 Posts: 20032

He should get minutes at pf this year.
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